Nishimura, Judy

A lifelong resident of Chicago, Judy Nishimura received her bachelor’s degree in flute from Northwestern University after studying with Walfrid Kujala. The next 30+ years were spent in advertising as a TV commercial producer. It was during those years that she started to write flute arrangements for a local flute ensemble. In 2000, a group of these arrangements was published by Music Makers, some of which were recognized by the NFA’s Newly Published Music competition. Later, in 2004, more flute choir pieces were written for Music Makers’ new owner, ALRY Publications. These included the popular “Magic Flute (in 5 Minutes)” and “Pictures at an Exhibition (the 5 Minute Tour),” a 2011 NFA Newly Published Music finalist. Music became a full-time vocation after Judy left the advertising business in 2006. She created nishmusic.com, a website to spotlight her compositions, and started a full-time music engraving business. In 2009, she was the proud recipient of a Paul Revere Award from the Music Publishers Association for engraving excellence.